Then again, Jesse hasn't been very stupid in episode yet, and we're already up to the quarter mark (and FINALLY -- the opening credits!). Of course, Jesse hasn't actually been in the show yet, except at the very beginning, in Christina's dream -- the one in which he stabs her. And if you're trying to kill someone who's already gone all apocalyptic on your hometown, you should probably be commended.

No, instead we get Christina leaving another message for her (surrogate) father on his answering machine. I think Elisabeth Harnois does a fine job with this scene, in which she begs FauxDaddy to call her while also telling him off at the same time. She's really just scared, though. James Morrison as FauxDaddy does a nice job too, even though all he has to do is sit there and look upset while listening to the message Christina is leaving. But he really rocks that distress! Hey, what do I know about acting anyway?

Amber and Paula are having a heart-warming mother-daughter brunch. Sniff! Paula is a little skeptical about Amber's story about how she ended up with the bruise on her cheek. Can't say I blame the girl. Amber informs us that she is planning to contact Sheriff Logan when she gets back to the office.

Christina finally notices that there is a message light blinking on the Kramers' answering machine. Why she didn't clue in to that two scenes ago is a mystery, but I'll be charitable and put it down to her being upset about FauxDaddy. After asking Judy if it's all right, Christina listens to the message, which turns out to be the one Father David left right before he died -- the message about Ben and family being in danger. Christina is panic-stricken as she erases it, then lies to Judy that Father Dumb-ass left a message telling her he found out some information on her mother. Judy offers to drive her to the church, but Christina just walks out the door without saying a word. I assume that means no to the ride offer.

FauxDaddy calls Jake to tell him that Christina has been phoning him, wanting to come home. Jake says he thinks she will stay right where she is. Why? Because she's getting attached to the Kramers. It's all part of the grand plan: "That's the trick -- make her love and lose again and again. Eventually the world will feel her pain. Then they'll feel nothing at all." Oh, Jake, quit being such a drama queen.

Paula insists that her mother is being overly melodramatic also, and she needs Jesse to comfort her with a quick roll in the sand under the pier. She even asks Ribcage to take over for Jesse. He sneers as he sarcastically says, "Sounds like a plan, Paula." Ribcage has a name now. It's Terry. Look, if it's all right with you, I'm just not even going to bother remembering that, okay? Good. When Jesse rushes off nervously, Ribcage tries to comfort Paula but gets the brush-off.